Ban welcomes reported release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls abducted in Nigeria

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the reported release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls, who were abducted by the Boko Haram insurgent group more than two years ago, while expressing deep concern about the safety and well-being of the remaining schoolgirls and other victims still in captivity.

On 13 April, 2014, in the middle of the night, 276 girls were abducted by Boko Haram from their school dormitory in Chibok, in Nigeria’s restive north-east. Many of them remain missing.

“The Secretary-General urges the international community to continue supporting the Government of Nigeria in its efforts to secure their release, rehabilitation and reintegration. He calls for increased efforts to ensure additional humanitarian access in the north-east of Nigeria, and reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations in this regard,” according to a statement released by Mr. Ban’s spokesman.

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, in his capacity as High Representative for Nigeria, continues to engage with the Nigerian authorities and international partners on this matter, the statement said.